Monday, May 11, 2020

You're Invited: Virtual Community - Wisdom/Support/Connection Circle

"I believe we can change the world if we start listening to each other.  Simple, honest, human conversation.  Not mediation, negotiation, problem-solving, debate, or public meetings.  Simple truthful conversation where we each have a chance to speak, we each feel heard, and we listen well."  ~ Margaret Wheatly

 Dear and Wise Sisters and Brothers,

These times seem to call for more safe places for us to gather and connect more deeply - both with each other and with ourselves - especially in genuinely heart-centered ways…

A Wisdom Circle is a sacred space to speak from the heart...and to be seen, heard and witnessed in a profound way, that's rarely available elsewhere…

...with the knowing that whatever's shared will not only be held in the strictest confidence, but will also be received with respect and reverence...without judgement or interruption...and with comments, questions or advice only by speaker's request….

…and, thereby, together - in the old ways - higher and mysterious parts of ourselves and our truths emerge…

...sentiments and wisdom surfacing and flowing from us…sometimes in ostensibly magical ways....often in ways we couldn't have imagined before we took the opportunity to speak into such a powerfully safe and time-honored ritual space….

[ The late Terence McKenna spoke of an "archaic revival":  As the dysfunctional and unsustainable systems on which our current society is built inevitably break down, we go back in history in search of time-tested wisdom...more organic and healthy practices and systems that allow us to course-correct and that can sustain us going forward.  I believe the Native Council/Wisdom Circle community/ritual will serve us in this way. ]

~~
Have you noticed that humans think better, and feel more deeply, when they're being compassionately listened to without judgment or agenda?  Yet, how regularly do most of us receive this - if ever…?

We'll use a (virtual) "Talking Stick" to hold space for you to be heard in the traditional, indigenous way of "The Council" or "The Wisdom Circle" — without interruption, agenda or comment.  However, you never need speak unless you so choose: You get to decide how you show up in the circle.  You are fully welcome, and a full participant in this community, even if you're nourished and connect solely by giving others the gift of your compassionate attention.

~~
"The power of the Circle...recognition of sacred space through ritual, the creation together of relational covenants to guide how we treat each other, the use of a talking piece to give everyone voice and promote good speaking and good listening, and a circle of collective wisdom where everyone is equally responsible for the outcome."  ~ Tom Porter, Peace and Justice, United Methodist Church

 "And let me tell you this for sure, and I know this from my life, I know this, from again, from 20 years of research, and 400,000 pieces of data. If you don't name what you're feeling, if you don't own the feelings, and feel them, they will eat you alive."  ~ Brené Brown
~~

Would it be a balm to our isolated hearts and souls — during this time of unnatural and mandated social distancing — to experience the feelings of profound compassion that come when we recognize our soul's reflection in another...when that other person's pain or joy or solutions become our own...when the voice of spirit speaking through them touches us in surprisingly poignant ways...illuminating, inspiring and uplifting us all in unity…?

Is it worth our time and energy to be of service and solace to each other by simply giving the gift of our undivided attention and non-judgmental listening…and for us to receive the same in kind...?

…to experience "new bonds of kinship and belonging" as an antidote to fear and isolation…?

~~

Should you be feeling this call within you, then perhaps the time has come to remember the circle…to bring back one of the old ways…to resurrect some of this ancient and time-tested wisdom, power and magic...in a format apropos to the lifestyles and crises of today...and thereby bring this way of gathering back into our consciousness, into our lives, and into community….

Please gather with us to pass the virtual talking piece and take turns flowing loving attention to each other...each to use in our own way…and, perhaps, to speak to our basic inquiry:  "How can we best survive, hope, dream, serve, support each other, and carry on during this time of global tumult?"

Details:

Light guidance and facilitation will be given on Wisdom Circle etiquette and guidelines to create and maintain a traditional, safe and powerful container.  There will be a silent, meditative space to reflect and go within, a bio break midway through the 2 hour ceremony, and optional, open social time after the ritual space is closed.  Optional, provocative, introspective inquires and prompts may be offered, borne from the landscape of the times in which we find ourselves, for anyone who happens to feel stumped or desires a bit of direction on what to talk about.

The power of a Wisdom Circle grows and matures over time.  As we get to know each other and bond, the trust builds.  As we learn how to both hold space for each other, as well how to best use the caring, kinship and attention available to us, the experience deepens for all.  As such, the intention is for this to be a regularly-scheduled, on-going community upon which each of us can rely.

Like a sprinkler system that goes off automatically by timer, the circle can become a regular source of "watering the needs of our spirit and psyche" (connection, wisdom, belonging, support, etc).  From experience, I know it can become a solid fixture of strength, growth and rejuvenation for us.  When we decide to show up regularly, our investment in the community can pay huge dividends when we need them most!

Experience (so you know you're in good hands :) 

I'm currently studying with a successful community in Portugal (Tamera) on creating vibrant, healthy, harmonious, and truly supportive and sustainable community and culture, that serve not just the highest good of its members, but also the highest good of all life.

Also trained as an emotional counselor, trainer/facilitator and professional life coach, I've served for over a decade in each of those capacities, in both one-on-one and group contexts (including leading a men's group for several years).

I also bring experience living and studying with indigenous shamans, healers, elders, and communities in Ecuador, The Philippines, and the US…and from creating and facilitating an in-person Wisdom Circle that continued for 7 years, and has recently re-united in an online format.  (This original circle was based on what I learned in those indigenous realms, as well as on the modern principles set forth in the book, Wisdom Circles: A Guide to Self Discovery and Community Building in Small Groups.)

I witnessed immense healing, growth and support for all members of that original circle...as well as the on-going blessings of deep bonds of community and friendship forged amongst the members of that group that have continued, for over two decades, to this day….  It's with a similar hope and aspiration that you'll be similarly nourished and supported by this new Wisdom Circle that I now offer my experience and service…and extend to you this warm invitation:

We would cherish the gift of your heart wisdom, compassionate ear, and beautiful presence at our next Wisdom Circle!  Please join us - and/or pass this along to someone you think would be interested - and let's figure out how to best support each other and move forward together!!

In service, solace, and solidarity,
Rich


----
Thoughts for Today:

It is the province of knowledge to speak, and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.  ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Connection is why we're here.  It's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.  This is what it's all about.  What we know [from decades of research in multiple fields] is that the ability to feel connected is how we're wired neuro-biologically, it's why we're here.  ~ Brené Brown

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Indoor Air Quality & Allergy Tips

From Dr. Todd Maderis, who also recommends the IQ Air and Austin Air purifiers (see below for cheaper options):
The primary injury from smoke and particulate matter exposure is caused by oxidative damage and inflammation. The below recommendations help to protect organs and tissues from this injury.
  • Turmeric - helps to reduce cytokines and inflammation. The form of turmeric is essential because turmeric is poorly absorbed. The two brands we found that work the best are Cytoquel and Theracurmin.
  • Glutathione - an antioxidant, supports detoxification and reduces inflammation. People with glutathione genetic mutations are at increased risk of oxidative damage and inflammation from air pollution exposure. Glutathione can be compounded for inhalation for people with compromised lung function. We most commonly prescribe oral liposomal and/or intravenous glutathione.
  • Vitamin C - an antioxidant that has been shown to decrease airway irritation, improve airway function in children with asthma, and increase airway flow in adults.
~~~

Here's the info from my research/testing, in 3 sections (Masks, Quick/Easy Indoor Air Quality Improvement, Air Purifiers, Masks), with more detailed notes at the bottom for those who want them….

QUICK/EASY INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT 
(Even when the air quality is good outside, indoor air is 2 to 5 times as polluted as outdoor air)

1) Activated Charcoal Air Purifying Bags (see "In 3 Easy Steps", BELOW)
    [ They absorb "odors, bacteria/allergens, also pollutants (formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene and chloroform gases emitted from paint, carpeting, furniture, air fresheners, chemical cleaners, rubber and plastics)"...as well as excess moisture that promotes mold/bacteria growth. ] 

2) Getting a good air purifier with at least a True HEPA filter (for particulates) and a carbon filter (for odors/vapors/VOC's) is a fantastic investment (filters out mold spores but not mycotoxins) — SEE BELOW.

3) Himalayan Salt Lamps are also good for cleaning indoor air
    [ I don't think they help much for mold, however, and they do use electricity and non-renewable resources for their construction. ]

4) Plants!  I have a Spider Plant, which I believe to be one of the most effective for indoor air purification.  You can read more about specific plants at the bottom of this message and online.  Optionally, you can check out the Live Plant Air Purifier (which may be just hype, not sure).

5) Thieves-type essential oil (other brands ok if 100% organic) - won't likely due much for polluted air, but disinfects bacteria/viruses/fungi and inhibits mold growth 
    [ You'll also need some kind of diffuser to release the oil into the air.  I use a decorative soapstone oil burner with the Serenibee tea light candles, since it uses no power and burning natural beeswax has additional benefits. ]

6) Don't Use: Chemical/Spray Air Fresheners; Incense; Candles that contain paraffin or non-organic soy in the wax, nor lead in the wicks
  • Candles: Choose only unscented, 100 percent beeswax, coconut wax, hemp oil, or some combination (no paraffin = petroleum byproduct = highly toxic; no soy = GMO), and wicks made from unbleached, 100% organic cotton or wood (no lead).  Trim wicks to 1/4" to minimize soot.  [ I like Serenibee for tea lights, as they meet all these requirements and have reusable cups.  For other sizes, check out Big Dipper or Honey Candles.  Tip: As the candle burns, you'll notice a wax pool forming around the wick. By gently folding the edges of the candle into the wax pool, you'll significantly increase the length of burning, and also create a more even, radiant glow. ]
6) More info on health effects and remedies for poor indoor air quality from Dr. Mercola, and the EPA & US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) [ click on topics on the right side of page ]


*********************************************************************************

Charcoal Bags - In 3 Easy Steps:

1) Map out the square footage of each room of your home (also, optionally, fridge, car, pantry, closets, etc).  You want about 2g of charcoal for each square foot of area (ie, twice the number of grams of charcoal as square feet of the room).  Eg, 500g bag covers 250 sq ft; 100g bag covers 50 sq ft.

2) Purchase the proper amounts of activated charcoal bags to reduce the moisture, odors, and toxic chemicals in those places (especially near water sources and where you spend the most time):

After researching several vendors, I recommend these 2 (organic, sustainably produced).  (I did a "mix & match" between them to get what I needed to cover my areas.)

   * MYTHO Eco Living: 2-large(200g)Bags; 2-medium(100g)Bags; 4-small(75g)Bags: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BNND2B1

   * Better to get Nellam bags on Ebay than Amazon (necessary if you're in CA): https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=nellam+charcoal
   * But, if you want to read Amazon reviews, etc:

3) Ideal if put in places that allow decent air-flow through the bag (great if hung up); but will work wherever you put 'em

Maintenance:

4) "Recharge" them in sunlight for at least 1 hour per month

5) Replace after 2 years.  (Spread "spent" bamboo charcoal around plants to help them grow.  Reuse bags if possible = cheaper to buy more activated charcoal in bulk and refill original bags - make sure the charcoal's sustainably produced and organic. :)

*) See more notes on Charcoal Air Purification Bags at the bottom of this message….

***************************************************

AIR PURIFIERS

This research is from 2016-17, so there may be better options now.  That said, if you don't want to do extensive research, these should still be very good options:

Bare minimum you want is a certified "True HEPA Filter" for particulates and a good, fairly thick carbon filter for odors/toxic fumes/chemical emissions/VOC's…

$100 range/Decent/Bare Minimum to Spend/Small Area: Covers ~100 ft2 (good for a small-medium room), not sure how often the filters need to be replaced nor how much they cost (ie, long-term costs/maintenance will likely be higher than Sharp model below): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VGIGVY/

FEATURES: UV Light may reduce airborne viruses/bacteria

To get it immediately, you can find it locally for a bit more at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

~~~~

THESE ARE ONES I HAVE AND RECOMMEND FOR A SMALL HOME/LARGE ROOM:
$250-750/Excellent/700-1,300 ft2 (get the filter for "mold" and/or "wildfires" or whatever matches your specific situation - I believe I have the "Fresh" filter; also, be sure to turn off the wifi on the BreatheSmart purifiers; either of these might be worth a call to the company - very helpful):
$200 range/Very Good/Medium Area: Covers ~200-300 ft2 (good for medium-large bedroom), filters only need to be replaced every 5yrs (part #'s HEPA: FZ-F60HFU, Carbon: FZ-F60DFU):

FEATURES: Timer, Auto-mode w/sensor, long filter life, Plasmacluster Ions (sterilization of airborne pathogens like mold, increased odor reduction of items in home)

I enhanced mine with the cheap/easy addition of cutting a sheet of a GE air purifier carbon pre-filter to wrap around the Sharp carbon filter for at least 3X effectiveness for non-particulate filtering (toxic fumes/VOC's/chemical emissions/odors/etc).  I also periodically spray this with a solution to both reduce mold growth in my home, as well as on the filters (also removes

May be available locally, but haven't checked where.  Check Froogle for best online price.  See notes below for better filter replacement options.

~~~~

$250-300 range/Very Good/Medium Area: Covers ~450 ft2 (good for large living room), 6 month Carbon pre-filter life (part # FZ-A80DFU) and a 2 yr HEPA filter life (order part # FZ-A80HFU)

~~~~

The Sharp models above are very good, on several levels, including good filtering, low noise, long filter life, auto setting with sensor, etc.  However, if you want to step up a level for even more clean air, you can look into one of these:

$300+ range/Excellent/Various Areas:

A friend bought the Alen BreatheSmart FLEX Air Purifier for Rooms up to 700 Sqft for ~$350, which looks good if you get the "heavy smoke" option (look elsewhere if it's not available on Amazon)

...and, this review recommends the IQ-Air, which has the ability to cover an area as large as 1240 sq. ft., tho it doesn't have the "auto" feature and is likely noisier:

 
AIR Doctor: Purports to be equivalent to the IQ Air, but for less than half the price with this offer.

 
A friend

[ If you're sick now and know toxic mold's the cause, Dr. Klinghardt recommends this system that claims to eradicate mold and mycotoxins (which are extremely small and nearly impossible to filter).  Given the $2k price tag for that, however, I'd also recommend checking out the Molekule.  Molekule seems to be an amazing new technology, if the hype on their website is legit.  I've heard positive stories from multiple neighbors who are getting great benefit amidst the current smoke, and have read great reviews online (save for the ongoing maintenance and ineffective "auto" mode).  Yet, it has some mixed reviews on reddit  nd trustpilot, and has a WiFi feature that may introduce extra wireless radiation into your home if it can't be switched off.  SEE UPDATED NOTES ON MOLEKULE AT THE VERY BOTTOM. ]

Consider a high-quality indoor air purifier such as the ones recommended by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine:

* Austin Air Health Mate (full size unit), IQ air, Honeywell,
* Hi-Tech, Heating and AC Furnace Filter 3M MPR Ultra Allergen Merv 11 Filter (Home Depot, Target, Amazon)

~~~

Replacement Filter ideas/options if you go with one of the Sharp models…

Reviewers' Comments/Suggestions for Filter Replacement:
I quit using the manufacturer's pre-filter and started using just a sheet of carbon
prefilter. This works FAR better. I take it out every week or two and it is loaded
with dander. I put it in the washing machine, let it dry then put it back in. I
think I will now get a lot more life out of this main 2 year filter.

The carbon odor/prefilter is NOT washable, but can be vacuumed to remove
particulate.  The HEPA filter cannot be cleaned/should not be vacuumed.

The carbon pre-filter can be washed and used again and again. It's replaced only
when you replace the main HEPA filter. The filter packaging says every two
years. The air purifier's manual says every five years. Split the difference.

* or $20 for non-oem:

Better Carbon Pre-Filter Options:
* I also ordered this cheap pre filter to prolong the life of the main filters
  Cut-to-Fit Carbon Pad for Air Purifiers B000U204W2:
* I ordered the cut to fit pad for air purifiers, the Listing ID# 0813NQU1Q4J the
  sku is 16c48charcoal. I paid $5.24. You just take the old filter our and use it as
  a template to cut the new one. Works fine.
* FP-A80U seems perfect for a prefilter experiment - add just two little rectangles,
  one of carbon cloth and another of fiberglass window screen...
* I purchased on Amazon a sheet of carbon filter used for appliances which is a
   better carbon filter than the unit provides and I think it works better and is
   also more reasonable in price! About $7 verses $50 on a replacement sharp and it
   works perfect!  I buy the ....GE SmartAire Cut-to-Fit Replacement Carbon
   Pre-Filter by ( Industrial Filter Sales) ...its only $7 a sheet with free
   shipping! This seller sells other carbon sheets for $5 and free shipping but the
   GE I personally think is worth the extra 2 dollars because it is much thicker and
   traps odors better. This company is very reliable. They probably all are on
   Amazon but I have been buying from this seller for over a year. Which I have had
   no problems so I have continue to buy from them. They send a long sheet so just
   cut to fit and it is very thick. The best ever....I have been buying it here on
   Amazon since I bought my Sharp air purifiers.....this way is so much cheaper and
   I believe it works so much better than the carbon filter that comes with the
   purifier. I change it every month....so it is affordable to it this way!

Easy Modification to get better air purifying performance:
* This morning I placed scotch tape around the entire edge of the prefilter to
  create a tight seal with the unit. Taking another round of measurements with the
  particle counter, I now show a reading of anywhere from zero particles (both .5PM
  an 2.5PM) to about 200 .5PM, still 0 2.5PM. It seems to be averaging about 100
  particles in the .5PM size. So a few cents worth of tape has reduce the particles
  coming out of the unit by 90%. Not a bad investment. I probably should have taped
  the HEPA filter first, but now that the prefilter is tightly sealed, I will just
  leave it as is and continue to monitor output. I like this unit a lot more now
  that I see virtually particle free air blowing out of the unit!
* I will be using the "Blue" painter's tape to seal air leaks - it is temporary,
  sticks perfectly, and peals off with no residue.
* The problem is that taping the filter puts extra strain on the motor (than what it
  was tested under), which may shorten its life. This happened to me using a BlueAir
  machine.

***************************************************

MASKS

While I've been using a couple of the disposable N95 masks folks have given me, I don't know how many times those are meant to be used before they reach filtering capacity, and, as noted above, the risks of wearing them may outweigh the benefits.  For environmental reasons, however (not forgetting the source of the increasing magnitude and intensity of environmental disasters), I've ordered and recommend reusable/washable masks with replaceable filters.  These are the two I've ordered:

Military-grade, Washable, Disposable, NIOSH N99 (Cambridge Mask Pro) that filters particulate matter (PM), gas-based pollution (VOCs, ozone, chemical emissions, toxic fumes), pathogens (viruses), and other irritants/allergens (dust, mold, pollen) [  Check Froogle/ebay/etc. if can't get size you need from Cambridge or Amazon.  ]
Lasts 220-340 hrs = 9-28 days (at AQI 51-300), then need to purchase a new one.
despite their popularity and marketing hype (that mostly doesn't check out), for similar reasons to why I don't recommend most of the masks on Amazon :).  ]

(I just hit my limit with research and made the order.  If you go further and find a washable/filter replaceable (non-disposable) NIOSH-certified N100 or better mask that your or others' reviews say are both effective and comfortable/breathe-able, please let me know and I'll share the info!  While those above are a significant improvement from N95 masks, my understanding is that only R100 or P100 masks are meant to filter air-borne oils [see notes below] — although both the above masks indicate that they go beyond the N99/N100 ratings to also filter nearly all toxic fumes/chemicals and germs/pathogens.  So, the ideal would be to find a comfortable/wearable/washable mask, with replaceable filters, rated R100 or P100...with additional filters for germs/pathogens.)

May filter better than those above (or, maybe not since those above have multiple filters that catch more than particulates?), but aren't washable and probably only good for a couple uses:

Disposable, NIOSH-certified P100 (3M 8293)

Disposable, NIOSH-certified P100 (Honeywell RWS-54020)

***************************************************


From my notes on MASKS:

P100 > R100 > N100 > N99 > N95 (look for NIOSH certified; # = % of 1 micrometer particles removed)
N: Not oil proof
R: Oil resistant (up to 8 hours)
P: Oil proof (beyond 8 hours)
https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-choose-a-respirator-or-dust-mask/

**P100 Filters
* 3M P100 Particulate Filter with Nuisance Level Organic Vapor Release, 2097PA1-A, 2-Pairs ($15/2)
* 3M Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridge/P100 ($100/4)
~~
Reusable Respirators:
~~

**N100:
Dust Mask 5 Layer Activated Carbon Filter Washable Replaceable Filter For Man And Women (One Mask + 10 filters) Men Black
Replacement Filters for above mask:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B77T1HR

With valve (doesn't sound like it works that great):
Replacement Filters for above mask:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B75TH75
~
* Will it keep out hexavalent chromium?
No, this is a particulate mask. If you need to filter out hexavalent Chromium you need an OSHA rated mask for that vapor! Don't, I repeat, Do not use a particulate mask for toxic vapors!
~~

**N99 Masks:
***************************************************
More on Plants (from a friend):

For your home air quality consider phytoremediation. Let house plants to clean your air and give you fresh oxygen! From an article published by Leah Zerbe, MS, NASM-CPT, NASM-EES February 2016 "The Best Houseplants that Remove Pollution" check out these plants that will clean out the air in your home. One plant per 8 cubic square feet is what's recommended:

Bromeliad-removes 6-8 VOC's and stripped more than 80% of these compounds out of the air in 12 hours. It also takes out 92% of benzene from automobile exhaust and toluene from paraffin candles.

Dracaena- removes 94% of acetone from the air which off gasses from particle board, household cleaners, rubber cement and paint.

Spider Plant – removes 80% of ethylbenzene, p-xylenes-o-xylene and acetone found in inks, paints, and fake number.

Jade Plant – removes 80% of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene and o-xylene in 70% of cases.

Another article, listing different plants, 17 Amazing Houseplants that Clean the Air.

***************************************************

From my notes on CHARCOAL BAGS:

You can research this more online, of course.  Here are some highlights from the Activated Charcoal Air Purifying Bag products I've purchased:

PURIFY THE AIR NATURALLY
  • Naturally neutralize harmful chemicals that you breathe daily from inside your home or car
  • It works by trapping toxins and chemicals in its millions of tiny pores
  • Use them to eliminate mold, mildew and bacteria being developed inside refrigerator so your food could remain fresh
  • Can also be used inside wardrobe, armorie, closets, gym bag, shoe, boxing gloves, lockers, cars, hand bags, just to name a few
BETTER THAN INCENSE, CANDLES, AIR FRESHENERS
  • Many of them contain chemicals that could cause developmental and reproductive problems, especially for INFANTS
  • It's just adding chemicals on top of chemicals

Air Dehumidifier Bags are filled with one simple natural organic non-toxic ingredient - bamboo charcoal. Our naturally occurring charcoal acts as a sponge and as air passes through the odor, allergen and bacteria particles are trapped on the surface, which in turn freshens, and purifies your air. With no harsh cleaners or chemicals at all!

Active bamboo charcoal has been scientifically proven as a dehumidifier. Free from harmful chemicals found in normal air fresheners and neutralizers which can be carcinogenic and lead to numerous health problems.

The porous structure of the high density bamboo charcoal helps remove bacteria, harmful pollutants and allergens from the air and absorbs moisture, preventing mold and mildew by trapping the impurities inside each pore. The Moso air purifying bag has been scientifically proven to reduce the  amount of formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, and chloroform gases emitted from everyday items such as paint, carpeting, furniture, air fresheners, chemical cleaners, rubber, and plastics.

Toxin free, the bags are safe to use around pets and children. The bamboo charcoal rejuvenates when the bags are placed in sunlight once a month. You can reuse the bags for two years, after which the charcoal can be poured into the soil around plants to fertilize and help retain moisture.


To your fantastic health and well-being (and that of whomever you share this with),
Rich

----
Thought for Today: 

"Only when the last tree has died,
the last river has been poisoned,
and the last fish has been caught
will we realize
we cannot eat money."  ~ Cree Indian Expression
 
************************************************
UPDATE: NOTES ON MOLEKULE:
I finally did get a chance to take a look at this.  It does look far superior to the Sharp air purifiers, if the hype on their website is legit.  Not sure I’m ready to fork out $725+ for a new air purifier, however, as my current one, along with the charcoal bags, salt lamps and spider plant, seems to be doing the job for me…even amidst the worst air quality we’ve probably ever had here…which is pretty bad.

Molekule Coverage:  Website says it cleans 600 sq. ft., which is very good.

Tho the code you gave no longer works, -$75 is still available (basically covers the cost of shipping, so you’re still spending ~$800): https://share.molekule.com/x/cMAuhC

On the other hand, if yours isn’t doing it for you and you’re still suffering with allergies, etc. even indoors, I think this would probably be a good investment…with a couple caveats:

1) Nextdoor neighbors say it works well, but requires fairly frequent maintenance:

"Im finding that I have to change the filter every two months. We live in dirty times. GREAT PRODUCT but pricey."

“...filter needs to be changed frequently and are difficult to order as poor service from the company makes it take a long time to get the filters”

“I change the main filter after a year and the small filter at the bottom every 3 months which is what they suggest”

If you prefer to buy individually, a single pre-filter is $30, which should be replaced every three months. One nano filter is $85 and should be changed out every six months.

Direct purchases delivered within the contiguous U.S. come with a flat $29 shipping fee, while deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are charged $40 S&H.


* Easier is to do their Filter Subscription (includes 6 filters/yr):

Molekule’s $129/year filter subscription ensures replacement filters deliver to your door when needed. Each pack contains a PECO-Filter, to be replaced every six months, and two Pre-Filters, to be replaced every three months.

2) As it has a WiFi option, it may put out continuous, damaging RF/wireless radiation, unless there’s a way to turn this off? I’d check and ensure this can be switched off, else I wouldn’t purchase/use it!

************************

Most Reviews say it’s worth the $:


Though some say not:

Switched to the Conway Mighty (rated #1, here: https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-air-purifier/)
"I've only been using it a few days now, but I can say that it does a really good job at filtering the air. I don't think it affects VOCs at all (its carbon filter is a joke) but one thing it does have that even the Molekule doesn't is a TRUE automatic mode. It does have a decent air quality meter built in. For example, I did a test where I lit a match a few feet away from the Coway, and within 5 seconds, the unit went from a low setting to a high setting!

I'm still thinking about purchasing something more heavy-duty, especially in the VOC front. Specifically, I'm looking at the Airpura V600 [poor reviews on Amazon] (i looked at the Austin unit but I think the Airpura seems better in all fronts)."

~~~~~~~

Great Pitch, Poor Delivery!

At first, I was very excited to try this product out. As for many, the video Molekule shows is effective and resonates with many allergic/asthmatic individuals. 
From the first day I cranked my unit on, I had a Full blown asthma attack. One which I’ve never had that severe in over 10 years. I tried to ignore the smells and told myself this was just the unit doing its job. Something SO many say as well as ththe company. Yet the environment of my entire apartment was very heavy feeling for the weeks I had the unit. The Molekule altered my living area to the point I went to the doctors to see if I was getting extremely sick. Which the assessment was my breathing was the worst it’s been in years. Which shocked my doctor given I’ve been healthy and fine for years. That said, I immediately went home and started the return/refund. When it comes to customer service and communication, Molekule is in the dark ages. Receiving a response takes as long as the ENTIRE return period. Not only did I loose over $200 of my refund.. I had to hassle the customer service reps to reply back to me on when I’d receive my refund. Upon sending them a tracking number that the unit was in transit, they would not cancel my filter subscription. They did this when they approved my return, meaning unit was in-hand. What’s the big deal if the unit is in transit back to you and you have the tracking number? Why waste time and money on both sides with sending a filter subscription out?? When a unit is in transit back for a return... Especially when I’d loose money to return it? Also, the correspondences seem to be with different reps. I’ll talk with one person who understands the return then when I follow up to see my refund status they ask moronic questions like, “what’s your email and address for the return”.... Information that is clearly shown in the same correspondences. Sometimes even said multiple times. I would get replied 3 days to almost a week later. Again, customer service is very behind the times. For a company that claims to help improve your life, they sure hold no accountability for when they make it difficult. For those on the fence, I can honestly tell you I have NO IDEA if this unit improved my air. I do know it got me sick the first week to sent me to the hospital (with a new bill mind you for breathing treatments), they wasted my time with unfriendly / idiotic questions, and took over $200 from my refund when I finally received it. Do not fall for all these fake reviews. Check Reddit for those that are curious. There is plenty of conversation of many who went through the same thing as I did. The funny thing is you’ll see a few ridiculously sad responses from some Molekule reps. Saying the same things I was told! It’s very upsetting as I wanted this unit to work given clear air in my home is important to me. But I’ll stick with my outdated HEPA filters.



 

Posted by at 2 comments:

Friday, November 15, 2019

US vs. EU on pesticide linked to brain damage



Excerpt: In the US, especially avoid non-organic apples, cherries, corn, oranges, and peaches

If this pesticide used in conventional farming (chlorpyrifos) is proven to cause brain damage in children, what do you think it does to non-children…?

Seems the EU has always had so much more sanity (less brain damage?) than corporate corruption when it comes to health stuff.  But, at least someone is leading properly and doing the right thing in this regard: https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/08/02/european-regulators-praised-declaring-there-no-safe-exposure-level-pesticide-tied

~~~

123 BOTTOM LINE:

1) Eating/drinking strictly organic, non-GMO continues to be the bare-minimum for both human and environmental health (and, specifically, to minimize pesticide exposure).
[ GMOs and pesticides are a leading cause of the pollinator die-off crisis (aka "Colony Collapse Disorder") that now threatens all plant (and human food) survival.  Buying organic/non-GMO is one of the best ways to help the bees! ]

2) Ensuring you're drinking purified water that's not bottled in plastic is also paramount.  (I use/recommend a steel Berkey water purifier, with the additional PF-2 Fluoride/Arsenic/Heavy Metal Filters.)

3) Finally, please wash all (yes, even organic) fruits and veggies just before using (the major vector of the 2016 E.Coli outbreak was a bag of organic spinach), preferably in purified water (dry them afterwards if washed in un-purified tap water).  This will greatly reduce pesticides and any harmful viruses, bacteria, or parasites…other toxins or microbes introduced during harvesting, handling, transport, storage, packaging or display...as well as any air-borne pesticides or toxins that may have drifted onto the produce from conventional farms or various other sources of air pollution (factories, fires, planes, cars, etc).

4) Bonus - To reduce high Arsenic exposure:
~~~

What I use to for Pesticide Protection:
  • Restore (strengthens the tight junctions [the seals between cells] in our gut lining – the barrier protecting us from toxic substances like pesticides [GMOs punch holes in intestines/tight junctions]; they're now selling the same product, renamed  ION Biome)
  • 1 tsp - 2 Tbsp Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in 6-12oz H2O, 1-3x/day (ACV contains a bacteria that breaks down glyphosate), rinse mouth/teeth afterwards to avoid acid breakdown of tooth enamel
  • Chlorella - Usually people start with 2g/day and work up to around 5g, using the higher dose during periods of illness or stress. Take 2x/day with food/snacks, or 30min before eating for best detox effect.
  • GlyphoX Supreme (detoxes + decreases liver cell death from glyphosate; order here)
  • Detox Bonus: 8 Natural Ways to Detox GMOs, Dr. Group's 7min video on GMO detox

To your health!
Rich

PS:

Why Choosing Organic Produce Is the Best and Safest Choice — Especially for Children and Pregnant Women

Eating organically grown foods reduces your exposure to both pesticide residue and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
This is backed by research from Stanford University, which analyzed 17 different studies comparing the health effects of organic and conventional foods.
While choosing organic is probably the safest option for everyone, it's especially important for pregnant women and children to avoid exposure to pesticides.
Children are at higher risk for pesticide toxicity than adults. This is because the developing brain is more susceptible to neurotoxins and the dose of pesticides per body weight is likely to be higher in children.
Children whose mothers were exposed to high levels of pesticides have been found to have lower IQs compared to children with the lowest levels of pesticide exposure.
Also, children exposed to pesticides are at an increased risk for a variety of chronic conditions, including learning and behavioral problems.
According to a study in Pediatrics, higher than median levels of pesticide residue in the urine were associated with double the odds of ADHD compared to those with undetectable levels.



----
Need Something Researched But Lack the Time/Patience/etc?  For $65/hr, I'll do the research and summarize the results for you (similar to what you see above but on topics/questions of your choosing!)

Rich Raffals
Tech/EMF Consults, Sound Healing, Coaching
Awaken the Magic Coaching & Consulting - 415-662-3117

Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Protect Your Privacy / Take Back Your Rights!

 
So, how can you stop Google tracking you and erase all the data its collected on you?  Matt Agorist of the Free Thought Project explains:

1) You need to go to your account and click on Data & Personalization and turn off all the ways Google spies on you.

2) To delete your history, on your Android phone or tablet, open your device’s Settings app and then Google Account.

At the top, tap Data & personalization.
Under “Activity controls,” tap Location History.
At the bottom, tap Manage Timeline. Your device will open Google Maps.
Tap More and then Settings.
At the bottom, choose Delete all Location History or Delete Location History range.

If you’re on a browser, go to maps.google.com/timeline. You might need to sign in. You can delete individual locations, locations by date, or your whole location history in Timeline.

NOTE: The downside to deleting your location history from Google is that if you use Google Maps, you won't be able to see/pick from recently visited locations - our typical choice with these things: "safety/privacy" or "convenience"
 
Google employees listen in on private conversations between users and Google Assistant ]


Dear Friend,

While the idea and word "Democracy" seems to have been bastardized nearly beyond recognition these days, my understanding of "Democracy" is that your rights are not just your responsibility, but mine as well (and vice-versa :).  The more I research privacy, the more urgent it feels to me that everyone is at least aware of this:

EVERY SINGLE PHONE CALL YOU MAKE...
EVERY SINGLE TEXT MESSAGE, EMAIL, FACEBOOK POST, TWEET, etc...
EVERY ONLINE SEARCH...
WEB SITE YOU VISIT...
VIDEO YOU WATCH...
PURCHASE YOU MAKE...
...IS NOT ONLY BEING TRACKED BY YOUR GOVERNMENT (AND SEVERAL NON-US GOVERNMENTS)...
AND BY THE TELECOM AND INTERNET CORPORATIONS...
BUT ALL OF THIS INFO ON YOU IS ALSO BEING RECORDED AND STORED — POTENTIALLY INDEFINITELY!

IF YOU CARRY A CELL PHONE, THE SAME GOES FOR RECORDING EVERY PHYSICAL PLACE YOU GO, THE EXACT TIME YOU ARRIVE/LEAVE, AND - PROBABLY - ANY CONVERSATION YOU HAVE WHILE THE PHONE IS POWERED ON AND IN THE SAME ROOM. (unless the phone's completely off: yep, testing done in this video that confirms your whereabouts are still tracked even in Airplane Mode!)  Current policies allow all this — legally! (references for all these statements included below)

GOOD NEWS: There's a lot you can do to avoid or minimize these assaults on your privacy...and I've broken this down into some easy steps you can do to take back your privacy rights (3 Key Steps for Calling/Texting, 6 Key Steps for Accessing the Internet).

The product of many, many hours of research follows - my investment in your rights!  If your your privacy is important to you, however, you should be able to implement all my suggestions below in under an hour.  [ See Below: "STEPS TO TAKE" … both "FOR ACCESSING THE INTERNET" … and "FOR CALLING/TEXTING".  The steps are roughly prioritized, so you can just go down the list and do the ones you have time for.  If you want this done but absolutely don't want to do it alone, call me to hire me to do it for you or walk you through it. ]  For those who really care about their privacy and want to go deeper, I've provided most of what I know for you below….

For Identity Theft Reasons, I'd definitely read the Public Wifi Do's & Dont's regardless of your interest in privacy.  Also, making your Google and Browser Privacy Settings match the screen-shots of mine (attached below) should only take a minute…and please be wary of submitting your DNA to any of those services!  For an entertaining and mind-blowing intro to your government/NSA/CIA/surveillance, check out the movie Snowden. :)

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Excerpt from video below: "You don't have to have done anything wrong.  You just have to eventually fall under suspicion someday, even by a wrong call…and then they can use the system to go back in time and scrutinize every decision you've ever made, every friend you've ever discussed anything with, etc…and attack you on that basis...to sort-of derive suspicion from an innocent life...and paint anyone as a wrong-doer."  ~ Edward Snowden. (former CIA/NSA Intelligence Analyst)

   - In summation, the measures here are to protect from Anyone who decides to harm/discredit/evaluate/harass or discriminate against you -- or similarly target any friend/loved one/colleague/etc. with whom you've interacted over a non-encrypted medium.  Or from Anyone for whom you or your contacts are under even a false suspicion...

 [ They - and/or their agents or AI - can use the system to go back in time and scrutinize all your logged activity, either online or via your phone or other smart devices (eg, anything using Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Siri, Microsoft Cortana, etc).  Ie, every person you ever discuss anything questionable with by phone/email/text, every social media post you make or "like", everywhere you go, everything you buy, anything you ever do online, anything you say to Alexa or Siri or Google Voice, every lifestyle decision you make, etc. is being recorded and stored - likely permanently.  We are being increasingly profiled in an increasingly judgmental and polarized society!

There are many ways this can come back to haunt us -- or anyone with whom we've interacted via and unencrypted medium -- some not even imagined yet.  There have already been proposals to include our online history in our credit ratings.  (IMF has been pushing for something similar to the social credit system in China, which will restrict not just credit but where you're allowed to go, what you're allowed to do, buy, etc.  To cite just one recent example in this country:  Don't use our vaccine, then you can't enter these establishments, or travel to these places, etc.)

But, we don't even need to have those systems in place: Eg, let's say you're applying for anything (job, loan, home or vacation rental, credit card, school or vocational program, volunteer position, health/life/home/auto insurance, etc) and whomever buys a log of your history on the dark web and sees any possible indication of something they consider illegal, immoral, or "disagreeable" from a prejudiced perspective of your lifestyle/identity/beliefs/choices/political or sexual or religious or ethnic or social orientation, etc.  And, poof you're out!  (Especially if there are other applicants that they don't see that same thing for.)

Or, if someone doesn't like you and wants to dig up dirt on you, maybe get you fired or evicted from where you live or knock you out of the running for something, they might also attack you on that basis...taking facts out of context to derive suspicion from an innocent life...and paint anyone as a wrong-doer.  This could be quite difficult and costly to reverse - not just in monetary terms, but also jobs, relationships, other opportunities, etc.  Even more so if it's a government, corporate, bank, or other large entity doing the digging/profiling/smearing. ]

** What You Can Do Now:  To reverse these policies and curb future laws and policies which give away even more of your privacy, please communicate to your representatives and other appropriate elected officials that you want your privacy rights restored, and that your communications and online activity should never be tracked, censored, recorded, or otherwise monitored.  Then, follow the "BASIC PRIVACY PROTECTION" steps below.... **

**********************************************************************************

Background on Increasing Levels of Surveillance of YOU in general (phone calls, text messages, etc):

Excerpts from NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden's TED talk on How We Take Back the Internet: 

"Your rights matter because you never know when you're going to need them."  

"People should be able to pick up a phone and call their family, people should be able to send a text message to their loved ones, people should be able to buy a book online, they should be able to travel by train, they should be able to buy an airline ticket…without wondering about how these events are going to look to an agent of the government, possibly not even your government, years in the future…how they're going to be misinterpreted and what they're going to think your intentions were.  We have a right to privacy.  We require warrants to be based on probable cause, or some kind of individualized suspicion, because we recognize that trusting anybody, any government authority, with the entirety of human communications in secret and without oversight is simply too great a temptation to be ignored."

* More from NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden (US Government):
   - Snowden Movie Trailer (excellent!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlSAiI3xMh4
"This man has IQ of 144. He earned 200000$ a year, living in Hawaii. He left his career, girlfriend, family and country behind…and risked his life. He could be killed anytime. On the circumstances, you don't do these things without knowing he is right."

~~~

STEPS TO TAKE: BASIC PRIVACY PROTECTION WHEN CALLING/TEXTING:

1) Turn your mobile phone completely OFF whenever you're not using it or don't want your whereabouts tracked: Watch "This will Change How You See Everything...", "Edward Snowden: How Your Cell Phone Spies on You"

2) For private/encrypted text messages and phone calls, especially for any sensitive topics you might discuss, I recommend the Signal app.  Using Signal is the equivalent of surfing the internet on sites using the httpS:// protocol (instead of just http://) — ie, end-to-end encryption of the content of your calls/texts.  Plus, you can set an expiration date so the message doesn't live forever on a server somewhere (as the rest of your messages do).

3) If you don't replicate the "STEPS TO TAKE: BASIC PRIVACY PROTECTION WHEN ACCESSING THE INTERNET VIA A BROWSER" below on your smart-phone, please consider using one of these non-tracking/encrypting browsers on your phone: https://brave.com/ ,  https://duckduckgo.com/app , https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/mobile/
[ Firefox Focus vs DuckDuckGo: Which Is the Best Browser for Privacy , Firefox vs DuckDuckGo vs TOR: Which Is the Best Browser for Privacy , Firefox vs Firefox Focus ]

4) OPTIONAL: Download/use DAA's AppChoices application from your device's app store to control personally-customized advertising from non-Google networks (to reduce vulnerabilities for psychologically-targeted advertising strategies, being charged higher prices based on your online footprint, etc).  Use NAI (National Advertising Institute) Consumer Opt-Out for  Interest-Based Advertising.  APPLE: You can opt out of interest-based ads in Apple News and the App Store, and also clear your play history in the Apple TV app in Settings (any video or show you watch on any apple device is tracked).

5) OPTIONAL: Learn More/Go Deeper

**********************************************************************************
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Background on Increasing Levels of Surveillance of YOU on the web:

* Short video includes info on how what you're doing, where you're going, etc. is being tracked (Google, Facebook, etc):

- Excerpts:

' When asked about all the different ways his company is causing invasions of privacy for hundreds of millions of people around the world, Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, said this: "If you're doing something that you don't want other people to know, maybe you shouldn't be doing it in the first place." '

' "Privacy is no longer a social norm."  ~ Mark Zuckerberg, CEO Facebook '

** What You Can Do Now:  To reverse these policies and curb future laws & policies which give away even more of your privacy, please communicate to your representatives and other appropriate elected officials that you want your privacy rights restored, and that your communications and online activity should never be tracked, censored, recorded, or otherwise monitored.  Then, follow the "BASIC PRIVACY PROTECTION" steps below…. **  >>

~~~

STEPS TO TAKE: BASIC PRIVACY PROTECTION WHEN ACCESSING THE INTERNET VIA A BROWSER (eg, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Edge, etc)

A friend asked me this question, typed some of this up for her, and thought I'd add a bit more to make it of general use for you.  It's just the most basic level and I'm not an expert on the topic.

That said, the guide below should be of value if you don't want your online/browsing activity tracked, probably sold to the highest bidder, or used to target you for specific sales schemes and marketing…and/or potentially skewed/spun to discredit you, paint you as a wrong-doer, etc.  Similarly, the steps below will provide protection from cryptominers that secretly use your device's resources to mine cryptocurrency and fingerprinters that uniquely identify you based on your device, settings and apps.

The steps are roughly prioritized, so you can just go down the list and do the ones you have time for.  I'd definitely read the public wifi do's/don'ts regardless, tho. :)


0) Direct-connect your computer to the modem/router via an ethernet cable instead of using WiFi whenever possible (also has huge health benefits if you turn off your wifi altogether, at the very least while you're asleep!).  Keep your operating system, browser, and anti-virus and anti-malware applications up to date (ie, latest versions) so your system stays clean of viruses/key loggers/malware/etc. that can track you (or worse).  Run anti-virus and anti-malware scans regularly.

.5) 2024 UPDATE: Simplest/Easiest (Use Brave + VPN and you can skip Steps 2-6 below):
  • Download/use Brave browser (make it your default browser)
  • Download/use ProtonVPN
1) Google tracks what you're doing immensely.  Apple/Microsoft/Facebook/etc too.  Suggestions:
     * Minimize use of Facebook/Apple/Microsoft and especially Google products (including Chrome/Edge browsers):
  • Use a non-tracking browser: Brave, Firefox (non-profit developer, good built-in privacy, many great VPN and privacy extension [see #4-6 and #9-11 below]), or Tor 
    • Do not use Chrome/Safari/Internet Explorer/Edge for your browser 
    • Note: I don't recommend Opera, even though it has built in VPN, since it uses Google's servers for the VPN
  • Do Web Searches via StartPage.com, SwissCows.com, PreSearch, or Ecosia - or Brave browser's search
    • Do not use Google/Bing/Yahoo! for your search engine
    • Do not use DuckDuckGo = now doing Censorship + Tracking + Jurisdiction:United States
    • Ecosia plants a tree for each search you do
  • Use anything instead of Gmail (every word of every message you send/receive is analyzed, info on you sold to their marketing partners, etc.)
  • Know that the videos you're watching are being tracked on YouTube (owned by Google)
  • You get the idea...
     * Do the Google Privacy Checkup and check your Data/Personalization Settings, Turn off all you don't specifically need (see screen shot of my settings, attached below)
     * Similarly, check your Privacy Settings on other services you use - eg, Facebook, Yahoo!, etc
     * Delete your Google Products Activity (prevents it from being used by the highest bidder on the millions of sites and apps that use Google’s advertising networks, for psychologically-targeted advertising strategies, and to charge higher prices based on your online footprint)
     * Stop the vulnerabilities for the future: Turn off Google Ad Personalization

2) Activate "Do Not Track" and similar privacy settings in your browser's preferences (eg, "Firefox -> Preferences -> Privacy & Security" — see screen shots below for my settings)

3) Replace Your Default Search Engine with Ecosia (also plants a tree for every search you do!), StartPage.com, SwissCows.com, or PreSearch...or, better yet, switch to Brave browser and use it's built-in search engine

4) Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) - otherwise your ISP can legally watch/record whatever you do and sell this data; IMF is recommending that your private browsing history be put on credit report
  • Get a VPN you can trust = they can see your data (eg, ProtonVPN, iVPN, or Mulvad)
  • Turn the kill-switch on when you can - always have it on, esp when you're away from home
  • Kill-switch = if server goes down, will lose internet connection (rather than
  •                  letting you bypass the server)

  • Instead of using a system-wide VPN, another option is to install and selectively use one of the VPN Browser Extensions I mention below (eg, CyberGhost)
  • See VPN NOTES below on when to use/not use
  • Research any VPN choice other than those listed here to ensure that they don't log your browsing history).
  • Disable WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) to avoid IP leaks (I use the "Prevent WebRTC from leaking local IP address" setting in "EFF's Privacy Badger" extension for this, but the "WebRTC Leak Shield" extension will also do it -- details on both below)
* CyberGhost browser extention (free, doesn't log your online activity, and doesn't require sign-up):

NOTE: I had previously been using/recommending the SetupVPN extension, since it seemed to be working better and was faster than the CyberGhost when I started using these.  But, after contacting the company, I learned that SetupVPN logs your browsing history.  So, I'm no longer recommending SetupVPN and have switched back to CyberGhost (completely free).  If you have problems w/CyberGhost, some alternative, non-logging extensions are Surfshark and NordVPN (both require sign-up and may require payment for some features.  I can't recommend since I've yet to try either extension -- please let me know your experience if you do!).
If neither CyberGhost, Surfshark, nor NordVPN work for you, or you absolutely don't want to pay a dime, and - especially- if you don't mind a record of what you do online being stored on SetupVPN's servers, then it's ok to use SetupVPN (worked pretty well for me before I discovered they logged).  [ This somewhat defeats the purpose for privacy reasons, of course:  SetupVPN may be selling your browsing history, and they would likely hand it over if a government or authorized legal entity asked them for it.  But, this is probably better than having anything you do on any website: (a) visible to any techie/hacker with the tools to snoop your WiFi (easy) or wired (harder) internet connection, and (b) simultaneously tracked/logged by your ISP...and also by Google/Facebook/Microsoft/Yahoo!/Apple/etc whenever you use their services (any of whom may sell your browsing history to the highest bidder and/or use it to psychologically market their products to you) -- all which is what you get with no VPN! ]

VPN NOTES:

A) Good to have two of these installed in case one service is not working for some reason, is really slow at a particular time, etc.

B) The free services generally have a bandwidth limit that you'll hit soon if you leave the VPN on all the time, especially if you stream a video or music, are doing web conferencing via Zoom/Skype/Google Hangouts, or otherwise up-/down- load big files.  Also, it will likely be noticeably slower, due to the extra encryption and sending everything through the VPN server.
(Note: I've been told that one of Skype's practices is to capture videos of conversations, so I'd choose Zoom, freeconferencecall.com, or another non-Google service for that.)

C) I use the free service and just turn it on/off selectively:  Eg, you can just turn it on whenever you want your web activity to be untracked and always encrypted.  Remember to also enable either the "Prevent WebRTC from leaking local IP address" setting in "EFF's Privacy Badger" extension, or the "WebRTC Leak Shield" (or similar) extension, to prevent leaking your IP via WebRTC.

[ Your web usage, between your computer and the website you're visiting, is almost always encrypted these days as almost all sites now use the https:// protocol ( instead of just http:// ).  But, there are still some that don't.  Your connection to any particular site is encrypted if there's a little lock icon next to the URL in your browser, and/or the URL of the site starts with "https://…".  Encrypted or not, however, your activity can still be logged/tracked by your search engine, ISP, government agencies, any tech-savvy person who's close enough to receive your wifi signal, etc.  (Ie, info about the computer you're logging in from, including its location, the web searches you do, which sites you visit, how much time you spend there, etc. is still vulnerable even if the content is encrypted.)  Using the VPN inhibits these folks from logging/tracking/using/selling that info. ]

D) YOU SHOULD, HOWEVER, TURN VPN ON AND PROBABLY LEAVE IT ON FOR THE DURATION OF THE TIME YOU'RE USING ANY PUBLIC WIFI, ESPECIALLY ANY FREE PUBLIC WIFI (an extreme security exposure!) — UNLESS, OF COURSE, YOU'RE STREAMING VIDEOS/MUSIC/ETC OR UPLOADING/DOWNLOADING LARGE FILES (which will exhaust your bandwidth quickly)

E) VPN can also be used to get around country restrictions.  (Eg, when I was unable to stream a movie via my normal service when I was in Mexico, I just turned on the VPN and chose a server in the US.)

F) Easiest: Leave enabled in browser (about:addons for Firefox), then just enable/disable via the grey ghost icon in Firefox toolbar (same as for WebRTC Leak Test).

G) Less crucial VPN notes further below...

5) WebRTC Leak Shield: Enable when using VPN/Disable when not.  VPN Extensions can hide your IP address but they cannot prevent IP leaks caused by WebRTC.  WebRTC Leak Shield protects you from this security threat.  Unless you use a VPN that does this for you, or something with similar functionality (eg, I use EFF's Privacy Badger: see below), this is a must have Addon for protecting your privacy on the internet: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/webrtc-leak-shield/

NOTE: Enabling this extension could break site/functions that require "Web Real-Time Communication".  But, you probably don't want to be using VPN for those, anyway, as they generally need a lot of bandwidth for audio/video transfer (eg, web conferencing via Google Hangouts, downloading/streaming movies or music, Google Voice, etc).  Options if you run into this issue: 
  • Use a different browser for these services, or disable this extension temporarily for those
  • Easier: Leave extension enabled in browser Preferences (about:addons for Firefox), then just enable/disable it via blue and white shield icon in Firefox toolbar (same as for CyberGhost VPN)
  • Easier/More bang for your buck: Skip this extension and use Privacy Badger extension instead (see below)

"Clear Flash Cookies" automatically deletes Flash cookies ("Local Shared Objects") after Firefox exits, like the defunct "BetterPrivacy" add-on. Flash cookies can be used to create "super cookies" that recreate deleted HTTP tracking cookies. To view your existing Flash cookies, open Adobe's Flash Storage Settings panel.

Warning! Clearing Flash cookies may delete saved game data from Flash games (e.g. some Facebook games).

Flash cookies are less of an issue in Firefox 55+ because Flash is click-to-activate by default, but deleting Flash cookies is a good precaution. If you don't actually need Flash, consider disabling or uninstalling it: https://support.mozilla.org/kb/disable-or-remove-add-ons#w_how-to-disable-plugins, as Flash can be used to track you.

~~~

7) OPTIONAL: If you don't want the history of where you've surfed to on the web to be stored on your computer, open a Private Window before you start surfing (eg, "File -> New Private Window" in Firefox).  Even when not surfing via  Private Window, your browsing history is not viewable by anyone who doesn't have direct access to your computer.  So, it's likely only required if you want to hide what you've done from others who might be using the same computer.  But, if there's something you'll be doing that you don't want anyone to ever see (eg, in the event that your computer is lost, stolen or seized by authorities), then you might also want to use a Private Window.

8) OPTIONAL: Go to AdChoices or NAI Consumer Opt-out to control ads from non-Google ad networks (Best to do this before installing/enabling Privacy Badger or Ghostery, else you'll need to disable them for this website): 
  • You need to do this for each browser you use
  • Extensions: Click "Trust Site" for Ghostery, "Disable for This Site" for Privacy Badger, and similar for any other any-tracking/anti-cookie services you may be using
  • Temporarily disable any anti-tracking/anti-cookie settings in each browser, eg:
    • Firefox: Preferences->Enhanced Tracking Protection->Custom "Cookies" + "Tracking Content"
    • Opera: Preferences->Settings->"Block Ads"
    • Safari: Preferences->Privacy->"Prevent cross-site tracking" + "block all cookies
  • Remember to turn the above settings back on after DAA's "OPT OUT OF ALL" web ads process is complete [you should see "Opt-Out Completed" and "✓" to the right of most of the companies (it's normal for some to fail)]
  • To make choices for mobile apps on a mobile device, you can download DAA's AppChoices application from your device's app store 
  • APPLE: You can opt out of interest-based ads in Apple News and the App Store, and also clear your play history in the Apple TV app in Settings (any video or show you watch on any apple device is tracked).
9) OPTIONAL: Install/Enable Privacy Badger (Firefox extension from EFF that learns to block invisible trackers.  It can also disable WebRTC leaks for use with VPN [eliminates need for WebRTC Leak Shield extension], but you need to specifically enable that in this extension's Preferences: Ie, click on "badger" icon in toolbar, on "gear" icon, check "Prevent WebRTC from leaking local IP address".): https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/privacy-badger17/

10) OPTIONAL: Install/Enable Ghostery (Firefox extension blocks ads, allows you to view/block trackers to control who collects your data, speeds browsing by blocking trackers according to your criteria. Enhanced Anti-Tracking also anonymizes your data to further protect your privacy.  NOTE: Although it has nice "Trust Site" and "Pause" features, it can get annoying if you have to do that for too many sites you visit.  Suggestion: Only enable it once you have everything else working.  That way, if things start breaking, you'll know to click on blue ghost icon in the toolbar and select "Trust Site".  It should get trained fairly quickly, but if that gets too annoying, you can just disable it.)
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ghostery/

11) OPTIONAL: Install/Enable Facebook Container (Firefox extension to inhibit Facebook's from tracking what you do: "You see them everywhere: those little "F" buttons from Facebook. Sure, they let you share things quickly to your profile. But they also let Facebook follow and collect information about you without your consent — even if you don't have an FB account. It works with Instagram, FB Messenger and Workplace, too."

12) OPTIONAL: IF YOU USE Video Download (eg, FVD/Flash Video Downloader, Video DownloadHelper, etc) OR Coupon/Lowest Price (eg, Honey, Wikibuy, etc) EXTENSIONS: Disable these extensions when not using or ensure they're not tracking you, as they typically monitor all your online activity to see when you're on a page with a video, pending purchases, etc.

13) OPTIONAL: Ed Snowden TED talk on How We Take Back the Internet (See how NSA has deputized corporate America — Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, Facebook, PalTalk, youTube, Skype, AOL, Apple — to collect the content of your communications, etc.
(In addition, I've been told that one of Skype's practices is to capture videos of conversations, so I'd choose Zoom, freeconferencecall.com, or another service for that.)

14) OPTIONAL: Learn More/Go Deeper

~~~

ADDITIONAL VPN NOTES (continuation of #4 above):

If you want to leave the VPN on all the time, you'll probably need to pay for the service to get unlimited bandwidth.  In that case, you may want more than just the browser extension VPN….

If you want everything you do on the internet (the above just covers what you do in the browser — ie, your email, etc. are still potentially vulnerable), then you'll need to get a full VPN service for your computer (not just a browser extension as I describe above).  While all the above VPN vendors also offer this service, here's the order in which I'd look for full VPN service (prioritized): BolehVPN, Mullvad, SecureVPN.to, TrustZone, CyberGhost, Surfshark, NordVPN.  You can also check out:
(Research any VPN choice other than those I've listed to ensure that they don't log your browsing history.  These coupon/deals might also be of value.)

"If not using a VPN, your ISP, the CIA and the NSA can see exactly what you're doing on any website.  But, it's not just the NSA that Internet users have to worry about.  Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and major Internet firms from Google to Apple and from Microsoft to Yahoo! are engaged in massive data collection for their own commercial purposes.  Also, your internet service provider (Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, etc.) can sell your browsing history to the highest bidder.  Furthermore, online censorship  and blocking of regular Internet access is a problem that has grown beyond nations such as China."

A VPN redirects your internet traffic, disguising where your computer, phone or other device is when it makes contact with websites.  It also encrypts information you send across the internet, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts your traffic.  That includes your internet service provider.  (But, you need to do your homework on which VPN to use, to ensure they don't log your browsing history.)

"There are some things to note:

    The connection is only secured up to the VPN's servers; the connection from the VPN provider's servers to the final destination is once again unencrypted. That means the VPN provider, as well as any other networking equipment along the rest of the way, may be able to see your data, and can at least see which servers you're connecting to.
    Connections you make via https are completely encrypted along the entire path from your machine to the remote server you're accessing. That's why banks (and other services that allow you to access sensitive data) should use https. Most web-based email providers also provide full https connectivity.
    You're adding steps between your computer and the server you're accessing. The practical effect of this is that your connection becomes slower. How much slower varies based on the VPN service you're using, their capacity, and the server you're attempting to access."

More Info:

**************************************************

* Public Wi-Fi Don'ts
  •     Never leave your device alone when connected to public Wi-Fi — not even for a minute, such as going to a restroom. You might come back to see your laptop still there, but you also might have something a bit extra like a keylogger. This is used to capture keystrokes.
  •     Don't e-mail anything of sensitive nature. Save these e-mails for when you are on a secure network.
  •     Take a look at the networks before connecting to them. Make sure you are connecting to the right network and not to a network that is specifically set up to collect information, it might say "free wifi".
  •     Do not turn on file sharing when connected to public Wi-Fi.
  •     If you don't need to connect to a wireless connection, don't leave your Wi-Fi on.
  •     Never do any online banking or work with sensitive information when connected to these networks.
  •     Do not let anyone see your screen.

Public Wi-Fi Dos
  •     Look at your surroundings before settling into a spot for browsing.
  •     Make sure you sit so that your back is to a wall.
  •     Assume any Wi-Fi link is suspicious. Any link can be set up by a hacker, so exercise caution. Try to confirm any link by looking at the address closely.
  •     Ask an employee to confirm the name of the network. Hackers are clever. If you are at Joe's Coffee Shop and see two networks, JoescoffeeWifi and JoescoffeshopWifi, which one do you connect to?
  •     Only visit sites that you don't have to enter any personal information into. Save the others for a secure network.
  •     Turn on your VPN/Virtual Private Network! (see steps above)

**************************************************
MY GOOGLE PRIVACY SETTINGS:
**************************************************

Note: I only leave Web & App Activity on so that I have my home and other locations I visit frequently available in google maps.  If you don't use google maps or don't need this functionality, you can probably turn this setting off, too.  (Suggestion: You might turn them off one at a time to see if doing so breaks any functionality or services that you use regularly. :)





































**************************************************
MY BROWSER PRIVACY SETTINGS:
**************************************************






































----
Need Something Researched But Lack the Time/Patience/etc?  For $65/hr, I’ll do the research and summarize the results for you (similar to what you see above but on topics/questions of your choosing!)

Rich Raffals
Tech/EMF Consults, Sound Healing, Coaching
Awaken the Magic Coaching & Consulting - 415-662-3117
http://www.AwakenTheMagic.com/
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)